Subject: Re: Mushrooms !!!!!
From: <dwheeler@teleport.com>
Organization: Deja News - The Leader in Internet Discussion
Date: Tue, 09 Jun 98 01:20:01
Message-ID: <MOD$980609.12980@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$980606.13236@rec.gardens.ecosystems> <MOD$980607.19044@rec.gardens.ecosystems> <MOD$980608.10935@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



In article <MOD$980608.10935@rec.gardens.ecosystems>,
lindat5@austin360.com wrote:
>
>
> >>
> > Why do you think they should be eliminated? All they are doing
> >is helping to break down your mulch, with the side-effect of
> >generating humus and minerals which can be used by your preferred
> >plants.
>
> Excellant point! Indeed, mushrooms generally come from things breaking
> down in the soil.
>
> linda terrell
>
Mushrooms in the garden can be an indication of healthy soil conditions,
remnants of mushroom compost added to garden soil as amendment, or interlopers
robbing the soil of nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements.

Getting rid of mushrooms can be far more problematic than letting
them be. For example, fumigating the soil for fungi can destroy mycorrhizal
fungi essential for most plant life on earth. Regretfully, it is very
difficult to get rid of one fungus without also affecting mycorrhizal fungi.

I suspect it is better to let most mushrooms exist. If you are
concerned about what is growing, try to get a positive identification from a
local mushroom club or mycologist. What you are trying to get rid of may be
something you are later happy to have. It may even be edible. Many fungi love
compost: Agaricus sps, Hericium, Lepista nuda, Lepiota rachoides, many
puffballs, etc. But before assuming any fungus in a garden is edible, it is
equally important to get a positive identification.

A few years ago a women in Bellingham, WA found a large rock-like fungus
under an herb in her front yard. It turned out to be one of the largest Tuber
gibbosum (Oregon White truffles) found to date!

Daniel B. Wheeler
http://www.oregonwhitetruffles.com

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